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Written by TOYIN ALI
Bilamin Babalola became blind when he was struck by a chronic eye disease as a toddler . But , despite his visual impairment , this student of University of Ilorin
( UNILORIN) is determined to become a lawyer . TOYIN ALI ( 300-Level Law ) writes .
A sudden loss of sight has aborted many dreams, but
to Bilamin Babalola , anyone whose dreams die after
losing his or her sight does not have a dream .
Although, Bilamin is visually- impaired , he sees
beyond his current circumstance and visualises what
many of his contemporaries do not see.
Bilamin was barely two when he was struck by a
chronic eye disease , which rendered him blind . But ,
he does not want to allow that to limit him.
He may be blind , but he visualises being a Senior
Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN ) in futre . A tall dream ,
many would say , considering the rigours of studying
law ; but Bilamin is determined to live his dream .
To Bilamin, blindness is not a barrier . “ Seeing with
two eyes is not a requisite to become a lawyer , but
skills , ” he said , adding : “ My inability to see does not
pose a challenge so long as I have conviction to do
what I want to do . ”
With confidence , Bilamin said he has the intellect to
achieve his aim . Before his admission into the
University of Ilorin ( UNILORIN ) to study law , Bilamin,
an indigene of Oyo State, took the Cambridge
Advance Level programme at Education Advancement
Centre in Ibadan . There, his ability was underrated by
his colleagues , who thought he would not do well in
his studies .
Bilamin left the school as the best graduating student
in Arts.
He was denied admission severally to study Law
because he is physically challenged. “ I was denied
admission to study law many times despite my
success at the Cambridge Advance Level
Examinations . Although some universities complained
that they don ’ t have the facilities for training special
people like me . However, I remained hopeful that one
day, my wishful thinking would gravitate into reality , ”
he said.
On why he insisted on studying Law , Bilamin said
providence and divine calling are driving his passion .
His aim , he said , is to tackle injustice in the society .
He said : “ Initially, people expected me to settle for a
a discipline that is less competitive . They saw my
disability as a barrier to achieving anything good in
life . But , I have strong conviction to achieve my aim ,
as long as I have the requisite background and skills .
If I am a lawyer , I would tackle injustice and remain a
beacon of hope to the physically - challenged people . ”
Recalling how his oratory and argumentative skills
won him prizes in his days at SPED International
Secondary School in Oyo, Bilamin said he loves
history , literature and government. He said : “ When I
was in secondary school , I did participate in quiz and
debates . I won many prizes and I was the best pupil
in history , literature and government during my days. ”
How does he study when he cannot see? Bilamin said
he reads and conducts academic researches through
his personal computer . He also pointed out that his
classmates lightened his burden . “ Studying is never a
difficult task for me , because most of my books are
in electronic versions . I read them with the aid of
voice transmitter on my personal system . And
sometimes, when the materials are not available, my
course mates come to my rescue . ”
Bilamin said he has never lacked anything since he
started studying Law , praising his mother for rising
up to the challenges . He said his mother supports
him financially and emotionally . “ My mother has
remained my pillar of support since the death of my
father many years ago. She has ensured that I don ’ t
suffer anything , including money . She is solely
responsible for my upbringing till this present
moment , ” he said.
For his logical contributions in class discussion,
Bilamin has been described by his course mates and
lecturers as a “ visionary student . ” According to Isiak
Apalando , co - ordinator of the Faculty of Law Quiz and
Debate Club , Bilamin is a brilliant contributor when it
comes to debate and quiz.
Isiak said : “ He has won the hearts of many students
with his rational presentation of arguments in any
forum he finds himself. His detailed knowledge of
African history and literature distinguishes him among
his peers . ”
When he achieves his aim to be a lawyer , Bilamin
said he would contest for the Presidency . He hopes
the 8 th National Assembly would amend the
Constitution to accommodate the physically-
challenged who want to contest for public offices .
He said : “ I have aspiration to contest for Nigerian
president to institute change in the society . I dream
of a Nigeria where the masses will enjoy the
dividends of democracy as against what is obtainable
in Nigeria presently. ”
Bilamin said the 1999 Constitution does not represent
the wishes of the common man , especially the
physically - challenged . The best way to effect a
change , he said, is through an amendment of the
Constitution .
THERE IS ABILITY IN DISABILITY.
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